News and commentary about the reigning royal houses of the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Spain, Monaco -- and the former European monarchies as well.

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Saturday, June 28, 2014

The Swedish newspaper, Expressan, is reporting that Prince Carl Philip and his new bride, Sofia, will move into Villa Solbacken, the 2 level house that he had inherited from his great uncle Bertil. Prince Bertil's widow, Princess Lilian, remained into the house until her death in March 2013.

The house has been empty for more than a year. The newspaper reports that extensive renovations will be made to the villa in the fashionable Djurgården area of Stockholm.

The motorcade left the train station and headed toward the city. As the weather was warm and sunny, the canvas top on the archduke's car was "folded back" so the crowd could get a better view. Along the route, the various conspirators, members of the Serbian Black Hand, waited in their spots, ready to make a move when the car approached them. It was about 10:10 a.m., when one of the would be murderers, Cabrinovic, saw the motorcade and made his move, He tossed a bomb in the direction of the Archduke's car, but bomb "missed the passengers" and hit the back of the car, falling down into the street. Several people, including the Duchess of Hohenberg and her lady-in-waiting were hit by shrapnel.

Cabrinovic tried to escape. He swallowed a vial of cyanide, but it failed to kill him. He was caught by the police and "dragged away."

Franz Ferdinand and Sophie arrived at the City Hall. The archduke was understandably angry. After a fulsome welcome by the mayor, the archduke responded: "What kind of devotion is this? I come to Sarajevo and am greeted by bombs. It is outrageous!"

The assassination attempt certainly made everyone even more jittery. While Sophie attended a reception for the unveiled wives of local Muslim leaders, Franz Ferdinand made arrangements for a telegram to be sent to the Emperor, "assuring him that the assassination plot had failed."

One witness noted that Franz Ferdinand "was trying to show that he was not afraid," but one can only imagine that the atmosphere at was choked with the reality that the Archduke could have been killed.

At 10:45 a.m, the couple descended the stairs from the town hall. Franz Ferdinand was concerned about Sophie's safety. He suggested she go back to the hotel or, at least, ride in another car. The Duchess of Hohenberg responded: " No, Franzi, I am going with you."

Another of the conspirators, Gavrilo Princip was convinced that the route would be changed following the first attempt. But much to his surprise, the motorcade turned the corner, and in full view Princip recognized the archduke.

Princip raised his gun, and fired at least three shots. Both Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Duchess of Hohenberg sustained fatal injuries. The Duchess succumbed to her injuries in the car. Franz Ferdinand's wound was in his neck. He died within minutes.

11:00 a.m., June 28, 1914. There would be no wedding anniversary celebrations for a couple so very much in love. The Emperor of Austria would mourn the loss of his nephew, his heir. For Franz Josef, whose only son committed suicide, and his wife, killed by an assassin, this was a painful time.

Gavrilo Princip was soon apprehended and jailed.

Three young children, Princess Sophie, Prince Maximilian and Prince Ernst of Hohenberg were orphaned because of the Black Hand's hatred of Austria. The penalty for this action was swift. One month later, on July 23, 1914, Germany and Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

It is the morning of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie's wedding anniversary. They are at the Hotel Bosnia in Ilidze. According to Greg King and Sue Woolman's definitive The Assassination of the Archduke (St.Martin's Press), "Franz Ferdinand dictated a telegram to his children at Chlumetz." 'Papa and Mama' are well, and were "looking forward to seeing them again."

Shortly after 9:30 a..m, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the Duchess of Hohenberg left the hotel, and were driven to the railroad station for a ten minute journey to Sarajevo.

When the train pulled into the station, the 15th Army Corps band played the national anthem. The archduke was the first to alight from the train, and was greeted by local officials including the mayor. Franz Ferdinand was dressed in the uniform of an Austrian cavalry general. His wife, Sophie, followed him. She was dressed in a "white silk summer dress adorned with panels of lace and ornamented with a small corsage of red and white rosebuds at her waist."

The couple's first stop was at the Filippovic Barracks, which across from the train station. It was shortly after ten a.m., when they were greeted by General Michael von Appel, military commander for Sarajevo. Franz Ferdinand reviewed the troops, as Sophie walked with him. Normally, she would have "stood discreetly to this side," but this morning, Sophie "did not want to be separated from him."

It was all over in about ten minutes, and Franz Ferdinand and his wife were escorted to a "line of seven motorcars waiting in front of the station."

Princess Marie Therese of Hohenberg lives in St. Margarets, near Richmond, with her husband, Anthony Bailey, OBE, and their son, Maximilian. The Princess is a great-granddaughter of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

The Chicago Tribune report today on the recent meeting between Kaiser Wilhelm II and Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria as Austria-Hungary is seen in "connection with the big international questions" as they think of Germany. The "alliance between the two great German speaking empires is regarded as the keystone of central European politics."

The relationship between the two countries, their governments and monarchs, are of "utmost importance in the torturous and turbulent problems known as the European situation."

These problems have come to the forefront as a "consequence" of the recent visit by Kaiser Wilhelm II to the future emperor of Austria, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, at the latter's home, Konopischt, in Bohemia.

The Kaiser spent two days with the archduke. The Kaiser was accompanied by Grand Admiral von Tirplitz, his "fleet builder," and the commander-in-chief of Austria's naval forces was at Franz Ferdinand's elbow.

Although there are "official assurances" that politics was not discussed, but it can be safely assume that the "thoughts of the archduke and his guests were not spent exclusively on the famous rose gardens at Konopischt."

Austria's naval forces have just gone in for "dreadnought building on a lavish scale."

There are worries that the elderly Emperor Franz Joseph will outlive his heir, and Austria will be "thrown violently into the melting pot and the map of eastern Europe will be radically altered."

Austrians and Hungarians, "when pressed," do believe there will be "internal changes in the dual monarchy" when Franz Ferdinand comes to the throne. But they "scoff at the idea that the monarchy will break up." They do not believe that Hungary will declare independence or that "Austria's Slavs will embrace the opportunity to revolt,"
One Austrian diplomat states "The outstanding change in our international relations which will accompany the accession of Emperor Franz Ferdinand, will be Austria-Hungary's emancipation from the tutelage of Germany. There will be a very sharp break with the tradition that Vienna is Berlin's vassal. There will be no more holding us back from righteous war, such as Franz Ferdinand was ready to make on Serbia two years ago, simply because Germany is not willing to join in. The present aged ruler of the dual monarchy is wedded to the idea that without German approval and support Austria-Hungary is impotent. That will be buried with him."

Franz Ferdinand is described as a man who has an "iron will and unbounded courage."

The diplomat added that the Kaiser did not originally get on with Archduke Franz Ferdinand. "but they have learned to know each other in recent times and to esteem each other's sterling qualities. Austria-Hungary has every reason in the world to await the new reign with confidence."

In an exclusive dispatch to the Los Angeles Times, Prince Alfonso of Borbon-Orléans states "I will marry Beatrice if I have to quit Spain, leave her army and forfeit my princely privileges." The prince offered his comments to the Los Angeles Times' correspondent in Madrid. He added: "No sacrifice is too great for me to make for her sake, although I hope she yet be reconciled to the Catholic church."

Differences in religion appear to be the major obstacle to a marriage between Prince Alfonso, elder son of Infanta Eulalia, and Princess Beatrice of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

The prince is a first cousin of King Alfonso XIII, and Princess Beatrice is a first cousin of Queen Victoria Eugenie.

Infanta Eulalia and her husband, the Duke of Galliera have "stoutly opposed" the marriage unless Princess Beatrice, a Lutheran, converts to Catholicism.

Alfonso appears to "have won his nother over to his cause" because she recently came "from Paris with him" to meet with King Alfonso and recommended that he "better induce the Pope to grant a dispensation for the mixed marriage" as Alfonso and Beatrice are determined to have their way and get married.

The Marquise de Fontenoy reports today on the "official announcement" that Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands "has hopes once more of presenting to the nation an heir to the throne."

The Dutch remain fearful that the Crown of Netherlands will pass to a German prince or princess, which would mean that the country would "for all intents and purposes" become a part of the German empire.

There has been a "good deal of anxiety" about the Dutch queen. She has been in "frail health" ever since her "premature confinement two years ago." Her appearance has become "so wan and unhappy looking" that it has become difficult to recognize the once "healthy, hearty, sunny faced girl of three years ago."

Wilhelmina appears to have "lost all the bloom of youth," and looks at least ten to fifteen years older "than her actual age."

Queen Wilhelmina is one of four women "occupying thrones" who expect to birth during the summer. In ease case, "dynastic considerations are at stake." The three other royal women are the Empress of Russia, the Queen of Italy, and the Crown Princess of Luxembourg, whose husband serves as regent for his father, the Grand Duke.

The Crown Princess is already the mother of six daughters, and is expected to give birth to a seventh child this summer. Failing the birth of a son, the eldest daughter, Marie Adelaide, 10, will be the heir.

A male heir is essential for Empress Alexandra and Queen Elena. If they do not give birth to sons, their husbands' thrones will eventually pass to "kinsman, who are not in sympathy with their ideas, political and administrative."

Carl Philip proposed this morning at the couple's summer home. "Sofia has today said yes to the question to spend the rest of her life together with me. Today is a very happy day for Sofia and I."

He told the press: “Sofia has a huge heart. Wise and warm She makes me feel comfortable."

Here is a link to her official CV, as prepared by the palace. Let's just say the CV is a bit conservative, and leaves out a few things.

Sofia was born on December 6, 1984. She worked as a model, and was Miss Slitz 2004. She achieved this latter honor from the men's magazine, Slitz. She posed for a photograph wearing only a bikini bottom and a boa constrictor around her upper torso.
She also appeared in the Swedish reality TV show, Paradise Hotel.

In 2005, Sofia came to New York City where she studied to become a yoga teacher. She also started her own Yoga center in New York. She also caught the attention of the press when she acknowledged "making out" with American porn star Jenna Jameson in Las Vegas. (So much for what happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas.)

Sofia became Carl Philip's main squeeze after his breakup with long time girlfriend, Emma Pernald. They have now been together since 2010.

A year earlier, Sofia spent time in Ghana helping to build a women's center. She is now involved with Project Playground, in Langa, South Africa, a center for orphaned and abused children The charity was co-founded by Sofia and her sister, Frida Vesterburg.

Since April 2011, the couple have lived together at Carl Philip's home in a house in Djurgarden. He does not yet live in Villa Solbakken, which he had inherited from his late great uncle, Prince Bertil of Sweden. Carl Philip was finally able to take possession of the home after the death of Bertil's widow, Princess Lilian, but the house remains empty. (The irony of this: Prince Bertil had to wait decades to get permission to marry the woman he loved.)

The semi-nude photos, the reality TV program, etc., are all apart of Sofia's past. I stress the word past. One can only assume that Carl Philip held his ground in order to win his father's permission (and the government, too) to marry Miss Hellqvist.

As a devout Lutheran, I am willing to give Sofia a chance to prove herself as a future royal. She will never be queen. One hopes Crown Princess Victoria will have at least one more child to move Carl Philip to fourth place in the line of succession. What really matters now is how Sofia will live her life as a member of the Swedish royal family. She could use her position to take a stand against pornography, and how it demeans women. Just a thought.

The wedding is scheduled for the summer of 2015. Plenty of time to metamorphous into someone who will have earned the respect of the Swedish people.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Berlin radio reported tonight that Viscount Lascelles, 21 year-old nephew of King George VI, "has been captured on the Italian front," according to the New York Times.

Shortly before the German announcement, Harewood House released an official statement: "Lord Harewood has had official intimation that Lieutenant Viscount Lascelles is reported wounded and missing and is believed to be a prisoner of war."

Lord Lascelles is the elder of two sons of the 6th Earl of Harewood and Princess Mary, sister of King George. He is the heir to the earldom.

Lord Lascelles joined the Grenadier Guards two years ago "as a private."

A dispatch from Toronto from the Canadian Broadcasting Company in Italy said that "Viscount Lascelles was wounded near a town that was later captured by the British Eighth Army."

He could not be moved immediately due to his condition, "except by jeep." One of his comrades "volunteered to get one." When he came back, "Viscount Lascelles and his men were missing."

The New York Times is reporting that there "is no foundation for the persistent rumors" that the former Emperor, Nicholas Romanoff, "has been assassinated. The report is based on a dispatch from the Exchange Telegraph in Moscow, which was sent on June 21.

The Duke of Aosta is "suffering from an attack of typhoid fever," reports the New York Times. The Duke, the eldest cousin of King Vittorio Emanuele of Italy, contracted the disease by eating "infected oysters."

The 46-year-old Duke serves as a Lieutenant General in the Italian Army. He is married to Princess Helene of France.

Last night, Crown Princess Margarita and Prince Radu hosted a gala dinner at the Elisabetha Palace in honor of Crown Prince Leka II of Albania. The Crown Prince was accompanied by his fiancée, Elia Zaharia.

They arrived on June 23rd, and spent time visiting Romania, including private tours of Sinaia and Curtea de Arges.

Princess Theodora of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg was fined £1000 for assault today in Scotland. She pleaded guilty to two charges of assault, one of breach of the peace aggravated by religious prejudice and one under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act.

The 27-year-old Princess is the youngest of five children of Prince Ludwig-Ferdinand of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and Countess Yvonne Wachmeister af Johannishus. She has a degree in international relations from St. Andrews University, and spent time working in Jordan. The princess now works for her father's alternative energy company.

Duke Georg II of Saxe-Meiningen died today at Meiningen, reports the New York Times. He was 89 years old.

Georg II was "noted as a patron of the stage in Germany," and had reigned in Saxe-Meiningen for forty-five years. He was the son of Duke Bernhard I.

The quarrel between Duke Georg and his father is "historic in Germany." At the outbreak of the Austro-Prussian war, Duke Bernhard chose to side with Austria, and provided aid to that country against Prussia.

As Prussia won the war, Duke Bernhard I was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Georg, who became the ruler in September 1866. He was made a Lieutenant General in the Prussian army "for his loyalty." Four years later, in the Franco-Prussian war, he led "two regiments of soldiers from Meiningen and had the honor of capturing the first French flags at the battle of Fröschweiler." He fought in "nearly every battle" in the Franco-Prussian war, and "was conspicuous for gallantry.

Duke Georg also served as a member of Emperor Wilhelm I's staff, and remain a close friend of the Emperor's until his death in 1888.

After the war, he "devoted himself to the stage," and the court at Meiningen became "famous for its brilliancy and culture."

Duke Georg II was married three times. By his first wife, Princess Charlotte of Prussia, he had a daughter, Princess Marie Elisabeth, and son, Prince Bernhard, who succeeds as Duke Bernhard II.

His second wife was Princess Feodora of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, who died in 1872. They had two sons, Prince Friedrich and Prince Ernst. A year after Feodora's death, Duke Georg "contracted a morganatic marriage" with Helene Franz, who was created Baroness von Holdburg.

The Duke was "attracted to her by her talent," as she was an actress on stage in Munich. Their marriage was "a happy one."

In his final years, Duke George "suffered from acute deafness," and was forced to retire from an active life. He enjoyed "hunting and traveling. He also enjoyed acting as a stage manager at the Meiningen court theater, and was described as "most capable."

Duke Bernhard II is married to Princess Charlotte of Prussia, sister of the German Emperor, Wilhelm II. They have one daughter, Princess Feodora.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Prince Karl of Schwarzenberg, a wealthy landowner, will marry Princess Antonie of Fürstenberg at St. Nicholas Church in Prague on Saturday, according to the Associated Press. The Princess is the daughter of Prince Karl Emil of Fürstenberg and Countess Maria Festetics von Tolna.

Witnesses for the 22-year-old groom will be Prince Alois of Liechtenstein and Prince Friedrich of Schwarzenberg. Prince Louis II of Monaco and Prince Maximilian Egon of Fürstenberg will serve as witnesses for the 29 year old Princess.

Karl was only three-years-old when he succeeded his father, Karl, as Prince of Schwarzenberg.

The Prince of Monaco is the bride's great uncle, as his mother, Lady Mary Victoria Hamilton, first wife of Albert I of Monaco, the bride's grandmother After Lady Mary's divorce and annulment, she married Prince Tasziló Festetics de Tolna, a member of a Hungarian noble family. They had four children. Their eldest daughter, Maria, married Prince Karl Emil of Furstenberg.

King Peter of Serbia has abdicated in favor of his second son, Prince Alexander, reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.

The King, who has been ill health for some time, left Belgrade this afternoon for Vranya in southern Serbia. A statement issued by the official agency announced Peter's departure, but did not announce his abdication.

Peter did sign a "ukase instructing the government of Serbia during his absence from the capital to Crown Prince Alexander."

This was followed by a royal proclamation.

"Owing to ill health I am unable to perform my duties, and in accordance with paragraph 69 of the Serbian constitution, I confide the government of Serbia to my heir, the Crown Prince Alexander, during my illness."

King Peter is 70 years old. There would be "little surprise" in Belgrade's court circles if today's announcement was a precursor to an official abdication, which King Peter is said "to have contemplated for some time."

He succeeded to the throne on June 15, 1903, five days after the assassination of King Alexander Obrenovic and the murder of his wife, Queen Draga.

Monday, June 23, 2014

The Duchess of York gave birth to a son at 9:55 p.m, reports the New York Times. The first dispatches about the Duchess' confinement "began to pour into London" at 10:30 in the evening. Her "illness began at an early hour this morning," and telegrams were sent at once to Queen Victoria, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and to the Home Secretary Asquith. who was "awaiting the call to represent the Government at White Lodge."

The Princess of Wales "left London at once," and was followed a little later by the Prince of Wales. Mr. Asquith took "the special train which had been waiting with the engine's steam up for more than a week," and arrived at White Lodge 45 minutes later.
An official was "kept at the telephone almost without interruption" for the rest of the day in order to "inform the Queen of the Duchess' progress."

The Queen was informed of the birth of her great-grandson shortly before ten p.m, within five minutes of the birth. The official announcements "were sent almost immediately."
At Mansion House "the news was announced in a bulletin, which attracted a cheering crowd."
The announcement of the birth was also made in several London theaters, where the "news was received with cheers, and the singing of the national anthem."

The birth of a son to the Duke and Duchess of York now "removes from the vaguest possibilities" that an heir of the Duke of Fife might "succeed to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the Empire of India."

The Duke of Fife is the husband of Princess Louise, the Prince of Wales's eldest daughter. They have two daughters, Lady Alexandra Duff, 3, and 14-month old Lady Maud Duff.

Until the birth of the new prince, Princess Louise was third in line to the throne, followed by her two daughters. The "presumptiveness" of their succession was "remote, but now "the mere idea of it is now dispelled."

There may be "rejoicings" in England with the news that Princess Louise and her descendants will not succeed to the throne.

The Duke of York married Princess Mary of Teck in July 1893. She is the eldest child and only daughter of Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge, youngest child of the late Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Duke of Teck, a morganatic son of Duke Alexander of Württemberg and Hungarian Countess Claudine von Rhedey.

Now that the Duchess of York has given birth to the "heir apparent," she will be "even more popular in reality than she has been in pretense for a year."

Princess Charlotte of Monaco, only child of Prince Louis II, has renounced her right to the Monegasque throne in favor of her son, Prince Rainier, 21, reports United Press.
The dispatch is based on the Vichy radio, which quoted the Journal de Monaco, the official journal of the principality.

The Prince of Wales is celebrating his 40th birthday today. According to an United Press report, the prince's birthday has brought a "revival of conjectures whether he will marry" or become a bachelor king.

The heir to the throne dined with his parents, King George and Queen Mary at Windsor Castle, but this day, "marking his becoming middle age," was like any other.

There were no special ceremonies to commemorate the event. The prince, "long a dashing international figure fluttering feminine hearts in many lands," spent most of the day reading "innumerable messages of congratulations."

Most believe that he will never marry. The prince's "intimate friend insist" that he "prefers his freedom and prefers to play a round of golf then go out with women."

It has been some time that the Prince of Wales' name has been linked with "any eligible girl" The "conviction is growing" that not only will be chose to not marry, but will "step aside when the time comes and permit his younger brother, the duke of York, to become king."

Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain gave birth to a son last night, who was born "before he was expected," and, as a result, many of the witnesses, including the Bishop of Segovia,, were unable to arrive at La Granja in time, reports the New York Times.

King Alfonso XIII presented his infant son formally to the courtiers who were waiting in the throne room at 2:15 a.m. The baby "lay in a dainty basket filled with lace," and was presented to Premier Maura and other officials and dignitaries of the palace. Prince and Princess Metternich, guests of the king, were also present.

As the ceremony took place, a "salute of twenty-one guns" was fired outside the palace. The king "drafted" a telegram to the "chiefs of state" announcing the birth of his second son, and then retired at 2:45 a.m.

The official registration of the birth took place in the throne room at 1:30 this afternoon, where it was announced that the new baby would be called Jaime.

A nurse has been "summoned by telegraph from Santander," but for now, Queen Victoria Eugenia is "nourishing the infant."

Thanks for Daniel Corston for allowing me the use of the photos. He is the copyright holder. Please do not copy, store electronically or use in publications, print or online, without Mr. Corston's permission.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

On Monday, I was one of 7000 people with a ticket to the Order of the Garter Procession. All photos are mine. You cannot share, copy, store electronically, post on blogs or anywhere else without my permission.

early crowd gathering

my £5.00 blanket from Primark

Windsor Castle shop open

Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra

Princess Royal

Duke of York and Earl of Wessex

Duke of Cambridge, Prince of Wales, Duke of York

Bringing the carriages down

Paid for program on left. The right one is the official one, snagged when I was talking with Richard Palmer and Victoria Murphy, and palace officers were handing them out to the press

So mad that I didn't get a good carriage photo of Queen and Duke of Edinburgh right in front of me

Now available for purchase: a well-researched, footnoted article on the life of Grand Duke Michael Mikahilovich of Russia, whose marriage to Countess Sophie von Merenberg was unequal, but a love match. I wrote this piece some years ago for Royalty Digest, and now again available. The price is $5.00 (and will be sent to you as a PDF). Just click on the Buy Now link for purchase. Thanks.

The Gleichens: the Unknown Royal Cousins

My article, The Gleichens: the Unknown Royal Cousins, is now available through Kindle on Amazon, in all the Amazons' Kindle stores. This link is for US Amazon. The price is $9.99. Just visit your Amazon and go to the Kindle store, search for my article. The article runs more than 50 pages! And who were the Gleichens: Prince Victor of Hohenlohe-Langenburg (nephew of Queen Victoria) and his family. His marriage to Lady Laura Seymour was considered unequal, and his wife and children were created Countesses and Count Gleichen. A German title but very English people .... Feodora, Edward, Valda and Helena .. all talented and interesting people. True junior royals.

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All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published without the prior approval of Marlene A. Koenig. You can, however, provide a link to the blog or to a post on the blog. Please credit Marlene A Koenig and Royal Musings. Thanks

Sources

The sources consulted for this blog include the New York Times, the Chicago Daily Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press, the Washington Post, and The Times. I also consult books and other materials in my personal library. All the photos come from my personal collection, unless other noted.